Monday I did my best to convince people I’m voting for the McCain/Palin ticket. I chasticized someone on Facebook how Mr. Palin is handsome and that’s why I would be electing McCain President of the United States of America.

Silliness aside though, my agenda was to see the issues from the other side. Not surprisingly, I’m a Democrat. Today I voted with my wife and our daughter for Mr. Obama. I voted in the fifth presidential election of my lifetime.

We took Baby Singe to the polls for her first time. What may surprise you is that I voted for three Republicans in local positions. I’m not about kicking people out of office who are doing a good job because they aren’t aligned with my chosen party. It’s about getting results and key issues which personally concern me: environment, education, foreign policy, gay rights, social programs, and our country’s global image.

I started blogging after the outcome of the 2004 election was determined. In fact, I think my first blog post was conceived the Wednesday following Election Day. I was down and out after Kerry narrowly lost in 2004. My wife and I donated much of our personal time during the final weeks of the campaign in an attempt to dethrone Mr. Bush. As we all know, Bush won and I set my cellphone countdown clock to November 4th, 2008. I was visibly disappointed for a couple weeks following the election.

What has changed in those four years? Way too many things to discuss on a preachy blog entry. However, let it be known I cast today’s ballot for someone who I believe will improve America’s standing in the world. I choose a candidate who I feel will take care of all Americans regardless of ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, age, native tongue, etc. Barack, we’ve got your back! Thank you for running an honest campaign which allowed your supporters to believe in the country we call home.

I feel optimistic, more optimistic than in 2004! I got the chills today, twice. I’ve seen kids at busy street corners with signs encouraging adults to vote. They may not have a voice, yet, but they’re out there doing what they can to help. This is what makes America great. This is why I won’t be threatening to move to Canada like everyone does if their candidate doesn’t win the election. It’s about participating in the process. Even if we don’t get our desired outcome, we have to learn to work with the hand we’ve been dealt. Life can really suck at times and so can politics. Today we can bid farewell to vengeful political ads, change the course of history, and reshape America’s future!

NOTE: the Obama sign accompanying this post was removed from our yard on Election Night. I’m okay with this kind of theft.

25 Responses to Shades of Blue

Hey there E! I completely agree with what you are saying! I went to an Obama rally, and while he was an eloquent speaker, the thing that moved me was to see the father down the aisle letting his child watch and telling him that there is no dream to big for anyone.
While, I’m also a Barak supporter, I agree with you that just to see the motivation and the change that both of these campaigns have brought to America, is pretty revitalizing, in these times! I also have to agree that voting based solely on party lines, does not seem to be responsible voting. There could be candidates of other parties who carry the same beliefs as you or me, and like you said, “if it ain’t broke, why fix it.”
This morning Tom Brokaw had said something that really affected me, he said “No matter who wins, it appears that this is the end to the apathy in America.” Which to me, seems like a big win, either way!
Hope the rest of your Voting day is good…we get to see your states results late tonight over here in Florida (let’s hope our results don’t hang on any chads!)

Thanks for posting this, Egan. As you know, we’re pretty big Obama supporters in our house, and I can’t help but feel emotional today. I’m chomping at the bit for the election results tonight, hoping that things go our way. I have never in my life felt so invested in the outcome of an election. Here’s to hope!

Your last paragraph – particularly your last few sentences – is what I like to hear. I’ve heard too many people threaten to leave the country if Obama doesn’t win. What is that going to solve? I know most people just say that and aren’t really going to leave the country, but it’s still silly.
I haven’t voted yet today, but will as soon as the husband gets home from work. I am optimistic as well…change is what we need, yo! W00t!

Matt – If Tom Brokaw is right about the apathy, we gained a huge thing from this election and not just a new president. There’s no reason to miss presidential elections. I know primaries can sneak up on us, but nobody in our country can’t know today isn’t Election Day.
Christina – I’m chomping at the bit too. I’m really excited to go downtown tonight and watch the returns come in today. I’m ready to party like we should have in 2000. Well, minus that loser Joe Lieberman as the VP.
SM – yep, I’m sick of hearing the “I’m moving to Canada” thing. It doesn’t solve our issues. Canada isn’t perfect just like America isn’t. We’ll get things worked out. Go vote for the first time as a mom! Have fun!

The world has been bombarded with American politics for months, so it comes as no surprise that there are many Canadians that are just as interested in the outcome as the Americans. While I think Obama should win, my view is that he’s the ‘lesser of two evils’.

Sprizee – where the hell do you find that shit? Who buys a URL that’s good for a day? Weird.
Darlene – lesser eh? Why? I’m curious why you don’t have a more favourable feeling about him?
Pants – Hope is good. This will really change things in our country if Barack can pull it out.

Hear, hear.
Today, my baby voted in his very first presidential election. And my oldest voted in her second. I’ve got them spread out so there’s one vote in Blue Virginia and an extra one here in Blue North Carolina.
Hope is change.
Change is hope.
Here’s to hopeful change tonight.

Jennifer – this shows why procreation pays. Well done on spreading the blue love. I won’t even ask you to tell me how many presidential elections you’ve voted in either. I’m feeling nice today since it’s a special day.
Think Jacob – I don’t currently use that phone anymore. Actually I had that phone for a short time and set the countdown timer on a phone I stopped using in September. It’s all about the BlackBerry Pearl Flip now. I’m so hip. Good job voting.

I saw your semi-endorsement of Johnny Mac on Facebook, and it raised an eyebrow only because you didn’t seem like a Republican. But as Ive discovered many times over the years, appearances are deceiving.
Nevertheless, nice post. I’ve been both excited and semi-nerved wracked throughout the day. This whole campaign has been so bizarre that nothing seems certain.
By the way, being a Seattleite, you might already know that Babeland on Capitol Hill is (or was, at least) giving away free sex toys to voters, including the Palin Plug! Did you pick yours up? lol

I like your kind of person. The one who votes for the issues. And the candidates. Not their party affiliation. It’s the first time in a while I feel optimistic. Let’s not be fooled, though, there’s lots of work to do.

I also believe that Obama will improve America’s standing in the world. This election got so much international attention…it was CRAZY. The entire world is behind Obama!
I think you are very open minded to have voted for different parties in each level of government. I also don’t necessarily vote the same way in each level of government (or from election to election). This may surprise you, but I did not vote the way you might have expected me to in our recent federal election. I did NOT vote for the Conservatives. Despite all my joking about Harper being hot, I’m sick of his so called leadership. I also did not vote for my local federal Liberal candidate(who was/is my MP) because he voted against same sex marriage in parliament. I actually voted for the Green Party this time. Some may say that I wasted my vote because there was not a chance in hell that he would win (and I was quite aware of that), but I believe in what the party stands for and my vote did accomplish something, it added to the Green Party’s popular vote number… which doesn’t get them anywhere in Canada, but it adds to their credibility and raises their profile.
One more thing…I’m just a bit jealous that Americans get an “I voted” sticker and we don’t. 😦

Essentially Me – I almost always vote, even in the small elections. I’ve never missed a presidential election and don’t intend on that ever being the case unless I become a felon. Not likely. Go Canada!
Hal – yes, I went by Babeland for my souvenir, but they were closed. Now my voting sticker is lost so there goes my sex toy. I was totally kidding about McCain. I am tricky like that.
Justrun – I love the “amen” comment from you. It’s like a knowing nod from a friend.
Essentially Me – yes, we’re happy that you’re happy. It’ a good thing.
Nilsa – very true, there’s a lot of work for Obama and our country, but nothing is impossible. I do align primarly with Democrats, but when we’re reluctant to vote for other parties, that’s an issue.
Amy – last week while in Toronto, I learned as much as possible about the Canadian election system. I asked the cabbies, the locals, the cashiers, etc. Anyone who would lend an ear. I think it’s cool you broke with tradition and voted for a different party. Everyone’s vote matters on some level. Just like everyone’s job is significant.
Churlita – the turnout numbers are impressive. I do want to know who the 35% are who didn’t vote. Maybe ex-pats or something. Great night it was. One I will not surely forget.
Eunice – thank you very much. My campaign for president kicks off in a couple years. Want to give me some money?

I didn’t break tradition, I have never aligned myself with a particular party. Just the issues and the candidates. I have cast votes for 4 different parties over the years, and I don’t think I have voted for the same one more than twice in a row.

Gwen – did you really vote for Nader? My guess is no, but if so… don’t tell me this. I’m sort of kidding. Nader is a great guy, just not a presidential candidate.
Amy – I see. You live life by the seat of your pants? So cool.